Make this easy creamy shrimp and broccoli pasta for a delicious, satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
This easy creamy shrimp and broccoli pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a hassle-free meal, this dish delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish combines the lean protein of shrimp with nutrient-packed broccoli and a rich, creamy sauce that satisfies without being heavy. It’s quick to prepare and great for meal prep or an impressive yet simple dinner. Plus, the recipe is flexible, allowing easy substitutions and tweaks for dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Substitutions: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Quinoa pasta works well for gluten-free diets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli until tender yet crisp, about 3-4 minutes; avoid overcooking to keep vibrant color.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
- Add shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, around 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken gently.
- Add in the drained pasta and steamed broccoli. Toss everything to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Looking for more quick meals? Check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners and explore wholesome pasta options.
Expert Tips
To get the best texture, don’t overcook the pasta or broccoli—al dente is key. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, or thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up without diluting taste. Leftovers reheat well with a little extra cream to refresh the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions without parsley garnish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Variations
- Vegan: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
- Low-Sodium: Limit added salt and use fresh herbs and lemon zest for flavor enhancement.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta?
- Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw completely in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.
- What pasta type works best?
- Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work great to hold the creamy sauce and ingredients.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prep ingredients and cook the shrimp and broccoli a day ahead. Combine and heat with fresh sauce before serving.
- How spicy is this pasta?
- It’s mildly spicy only if you add the red pepper flakes; otherwise, it’s creamy and savory without heat.
- Is this recipe healthy?
- It balances lean protein and vegetables with a creamy sauce. You can customize for healthier or dietary preferences easily.
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Explore more recipes like this in our Pasta Recipes collection and discover countless easy dinner ideas.
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